The college admissions process has grown more intense, competitive, and stressful for high school students across the United States over the past few years, with acceptance rates at formerly accessible state universities continuing to decline. What was once seemingly an easy process, the attainment of a college education, has turned into an increasingly stressful process, leaving many wondering: How did we get here?
Mount Pisgah Christian School senior Riley Pickren offers her opinions on the growing competition.
“I believe standardized tests have a huge role in the admissions process. Nowadays, they are the driving force for getting accepted into colleges, and essays and extracurricular activities are more of an afterthought,” said Pickren.
Public institutions like the University of Georgia have had to contend with more and more applicants while having fewer slots available. As a result, acceptance rates have plummeted, putting students under tremendous pressure who, in the past, may have thought that getting in was almost a guarantee.
Pickren elaborates on the “why” behind the surge in applicants at state schools each year.
“I think that more and more people want to go to college, so it’s creating more competition for people. I also believe that universities like UGA and in-state kids are becoming a lot more competitive because of the Hope Scholarship, which allows people to go to college for free,” said Pickren.
College admissions are evolving, and good grades are not the only consideration anymore.
“Colleges all have different methods for evaluating their applicants. Although there are some colleges that put a great deal of emphasis on an applicant’s SAT and/or ACT scores, there are plenty of other colleges that are truly test optional,” said Susan Reilly, Mount Pisgah’s College Counselor. “And while many colleges evaluate students’ extra-curricular activities and personal narratives, there are some that only evaluate what is on an applicant’s transcript.”
There’s a demand for well-rounded candidates with strong extracurricular activities, leadership roles and interesting personal stories only in greater demand. Colleges seek students who will excel both academically and socially and will add something unique to campus.
“There are so many other institutions that do not evaluate test scores, and this gives students an opportunity to showcase other aspects of their personality, and these qualities that emerge might be exactly what a college is looking for to enhance their community,” said Reilly.
For future applicants, the college experience can be daunting. Expectations to achieve and awareness of an ultra-competitive system might veil what is otherwise supposed to be a learning and discovery period.
Senior Caleigh Coherd offers her advice to future applicants.
“To students feeling overwhelmed I would advise them to stay true to themselves by focusing on their passions and values, rather than trying to fit a standardized mold—authenticity will lead you to the right opportunities,” said Coherd.
